This 14-day Christian pilgrimage to Rwanda offers a profound spiritual experience rooted in prayer, Marian devotion, missionary history, and reconciliation. Carefully designed for Catholic groups, the journey brings pilgrims to Rwanda’s most significant religious landmarks while allowing time for reflection, community sharing, and personal prayer.
The pilgrimage begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, with a welcome Mass and an introduction to the local Church. Pilgrims visit key sites within the Archdiocese of Kigali, including St. Michael’s Cathedral and meetings with clergy, offering insight into the vibrant faith life of the Rwandan Church.
From Kigali, the journey continues to Kabgayi, the historical heart of Catholicism in Rwanda. Here, pilgrims visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Kabgayi, seminaries, and the Catholic Museum, while participating in conferences on missionary history and guided prayer sessions.
The pilgrimage then moves south to Butare (Huye) and Save Mission, the site of Rwanda’s first Catholic mission. Pilgrims engage with religious communities, experience cultural encounters, and deepen their understanding of the Church’s pastoral mission in Rwanda.
A major highlight of the pilgrimage is Kibeho, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in Africa. Pilgrims spend extended time at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho, participating in Mass, the Rosary, Way of the Cross, evening processions, and personal prayer at the Apparitions Chapel.
The journey also includes moments of silence and contemplation with visits to monastic communities, followed by a spiritual rest day at Lake Kivu, offering reflection in a peaceful natural setting.
The pilgrimage concludes in Kigali, with an optional extension to Akagera National Park for a quiet nature-based prayer experience, symbolizing renewal and gratitude for creation.
This program is ideal for:
Parish groups
Religious communities
Catholic associations and movements
Schools and faith-based organizations
The pilgrimage can be organized any time of the year and remains flexible and open to negotiation, depending on group size, accommodation preferences, and special pastoral needs.
The Rwanda 14-Day Christian Pilgrimage is carefully structured to ensure a smooth, prayerful, and well-paced journey across the country’s main Catholic and missionary sites.
Arrival & Departure
All pilgrims arrive at Kigali International Airport, where they are met by the pilgrimage team and transferred by private bus. The pilgrimage concludes in Kigali with a closing Mass and airport transfer for departure.
Transportation
Travel within Rwanda is by private, air-conditioned coach with a professional driver and pilgrimage guide. Driving times are moderate, allowing for prayer, reflection, and rest between destinations.
Route Overview
Kigali → Kabgayi → Save Mission → Butare (Huye) → Kibeho → Huye Monastery → Lake Kivu → Nyundo / Rubavu → Kigali → Akagera (optional) → Kigali
Accommodation
Pilgrims stay in religious guesthouses and selected mid-range hotels, offering comfort, cleanliness, and proximity to pilgrimage sites. Rooms are shared (2–3 pilgrims per room).
Meals
The program is offered on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during pilgrimage days. Special dietary needs can be arranged upon request.
Spiritual Program
The travel plan includes daily Mass, guided prayer, Marian devotions, the Way of the Cross, conferences, silent reflection, and meetings with clergy and religious communities.
Rest & Reflection
Designated rest and reflection days are included, notably at Lake Kivu and during the optional Akagera nature reflection experience.
Flexibility
The travel plan is available year-round and can be adjusted to suit group size, travel dates, accommodation level, and spiritual focus.
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